Resolution VIII.4. Wetland issues in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)

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1 "Wetlands: water, life, and culture" 8th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) Valencia, Spain, November 2002 Resolution VIII.4 Wetland issues in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) 1. RECALLING that the definition of wetlands adopted by the Convention includes areas with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres, which effectively means that for the Convention most of the coastal zone around the world falls under its definition of wetland; 2. TAKING INTO ACCOUNT that Action of the Convention s Work Plan is to gather and make available to Contracting Parties information on land use planning related to wetlands, and... coastal zone management in particular ; 3. ALSO RECALLING that in Recommendation 6.8 the Contracting Parties called upon themselves to adopt and apply strategic planning and integrated coastal zone management principles to assist sound decision-making on the conservation and wise use of coastal wetlands ; 4. FURTHER RECALLING that in Resolution VII.21 the Contracting Parties resolved to review and modify existing policies that adversely affect intertidal wetlands and to seek to introduce measures for the long-term conservation of these areas ; 5. AWARE that a large proportion of the world s population lives on or close to the coast and that the livelihoods of substantial numbers of people, including local communities and indigenous peoples and especially those in small island developing states, depend on the productivity and values of coastal wetlands, notably sustainable fishing and agriculture; 6. CONCERNED that many coastal wetlands have already been lost or could be degraded due in particular to land-claim, unsustainable aquaculture and exploitation of wetland resources, and pollution; and that increasing population and, in some areas, uncontrolled development, including tourism, are continuing to place great pressure on coastal wetlands and their conservation and wise use; 7. RECOGNIZING that coastal wetlands provide vital services in securing human wellbeing, notably through their role in buffering floods and storm surges, coast protection, and the effects of rising sea levels, but AWARE that coastal wetlands, notably coral reefs and those in small island developing states, are recognized as being particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise and that this vulnerability is considered to be increased by inappropriate land-use and development in the coastal zone; 8. ALSO RECOGNIZING that initiatives to develop integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) are being developed or are under way in many parts of the world, but

2 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page 2 CONCERNED that although a substantial body of guidance on good practice in ICZM is available, this guidance seldom recognizes the significance of wetlands in the coastal zone, both in terms of their role in the sustainable management of the coast and of their importance for the conservation of biological diversity, notably for migratory species such as waterbirds, turtles and fish; 9. AWARE that Contracting Parties have already designated many wetlands in the coastal zone as Wetlands of International Importance but that some coastal wetland types are still under-represented in the Ramsar List, and that additional guidance for the identification and designation of mangroves and coral reefs as Ramsar sites has been adopted by this meeting (Resolution VIII.11); 10. NOTING that through the Joint Work Plan between the Ramsar Convention and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) the conventions are collaborating in the preparation of guidance on the rapid assessment of marine and coastal biodiversity and on marine and coastal protected areas; 11. AWARE that the Convention is developing collaboration with regional seas conventions, including Memoranda of Cooperation already in place with the Cartagena and Barcelona Conventions and with the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), intended to support ecologically sustainable development in the coastal zone; and 12. WELCOMING the emphasis in the Plan of Implementation adopted by the World Summit on Sustainable Development on the implementation of the Ramsar Convention as a tool to conserve and manage marine and coastal wetlands; THE CONFERENCE OF THE CONTRACTING PARTIES 13. ADOPTS the Principles and guidelines for incorporating wetland issues into Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) annexed to this Resolution; 14. URGES Contracting Parties to ensure that coastal wetlands and their values and functions for human well-being, including their role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise and their importance for the conservation of biological diversity, are fully recognized in planning and decision-making in the coastal zone, including through ICZM initiatives, and FURTHER URGES Contracting Parties to ensure that those responsible for the implementation of ICZM at local, regional and national levels in their countries are made aware of, and utilize, the Ramsar Principles and guidelines annexed to this Resolution; 15. CALLS upon Contracting Parties and others to document case studies of good practice in the integration of wetlands into ICZM and to make these available to the Convention; and REQUESTS the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) to review these case studies as the basis for preparing further guidance on wetlands and ICZM under the Convention; 16. URGES Contracting Parties to review and, where necessary, amend and take action on existing policies and practices that adversely affect coastal wetlands, and to recognize in their policies the vital role of coastal wetlands in supporting people s livelihoods, in mitigating impacts of climate change and sea-level rise, and in maintaining biological diversity;

3 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page CALLS upon Contracting Parties to continue to document the past losses and current status and trends of coastal wetlands, including in their national wetland inventories, and to report on their conservation status in their National Reports to COP9; 18. ENCOURAGES Contracting Parties to continue to give priority to the identification and designation of coastal wetlands as Wetlands of International Importance, so as to ensure that their relevance for the conservation and wise use of coastal ecosystems is recognized, applying for this purpose the Strategic Framework and guidelines for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Resolution VII.11) and the additional guidance for the identification and designation of mangroves and coral reefs adopted by this meeting (Resolution VIII.11); 19. REQUESTS the STRP to consider the preparation of further guidance for the identification and designation of other coastal wetland types, including inter alia intertidal and subtidal mud and sand flats and seagrass beds, for consideration by COP9; 20. REQUESTS the Ramsar Bureau and the STRP to continue to work with the Convention on Biological Diversity in the development of guidance on rapid assessment of marine and coastal biological diversity and on marine and coastal protected areas, and to make this guidance available to Contracting Parties; and 21. ENCOURAGES the Ramsar Bureau to further develop collaboration with regional seas conventions and the Regional Seas Programme of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), including the development of joint work plans, and to report on these developments to COP9.

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5 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page 5 Annex Principles and guidelines for incorporating wetland issues into Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) The purpose of these principles and guidelines 1. These Principles and guidelines for incorporating wetland issues into Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) are intended to increase understanding and recognition of the importance and vital role played by wetlands in the coastal zone throughout the world. They are intended for use by Ramsar s Contracting Parties and others in ensuring that the significance of wetlands, and their values and functions, are more fully taken into account by those responsible for planning and decision-making in the coastal zone, so as to secure their future conservation and wise use. 2. In particular, the guidance is designed to ensure that coastal wetland conservation and wise use are better understood as essential to the sustainable development of the coastal zone, rather than being regarded, as is often the case, as solely a sectoral nature conservation and protected areas issue. 3. It is intended that the Principles and guidelines should be used by Contracting Parties as the basis for engaging in dialogue with all those responsible for ICZM implementation in their countries, and that the guidance should be widely disseminated to these people and their organizations. 4. The guidance should be applied in conjunction with other guidance developed by the Ramsar Convention that is relevant to the integration of wetlands into ICZM, notably the Additional guidance for the implementation of the wise use concept (Resolution 5.6), Guidelines for integrating wetland conservation and wise use into river basin management (Resolution VII.18), Enhancing the conservation and wise use of intertidal wetlands (Resolution VII.21), Guidelines for the allocation and management of water for maintaining the ecological functions of wetlands (Resolution VIII.1), the New Guidelines for management planning for Ramsar sites and other wetlands (Resolution VIII.14), and Additional guidance for identifying and designating under-represented wetland types as Wetlands of International Importance (Resolution VIII.11), notably concerning mangroves and coral reefs. 5. These Principles and guidelines have been prepared through the work of the Convention s Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) in response to Action of the Convention s Work Plan : to gather and make available to Contracting Parties information on land use planning related to wetlands, and... coastal zone management in particular. The preparatory work in drafting the principles and guidelines was undertaken with the financial support of the government of the United States of America. A discussion of the definitions, terminology, and current approaches in use in Integrated Coastal Zone Management can be found in the Appendix 1. Appendix 2 elaborates further the rationale for the Principles. Background and context

6 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page 6 6. The definition of wetland adopted by the Ramsar Convention covers coastal and marine as well as inland wetland ecosystems. Concerning coastal and marine wetlands, the Ramsar definition includes areas with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres (Article 1.1 of the Convention). 7. Furthermore, concerning the inclusion of marine and coastal wetlands in the List of Wetlands of International Importance under the Convention, Article 2.1 indicates that they may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six metres at low tide lying within the wetlands. 8. Thus the coverage of the Ramsar Convention and the commitments of its Contracting Parties importantly include coastal and marine ecosystems as well as inland ecosystems. 9. Parties to the Ramsar Convention have recognized the importance of securing the conservation and wise use of wetlands in the coastal zone through full engagement with ICZM processes. Recommendation 6.8 called on Contracting Parties to adopt and apply strategic planning and integrated coastal zone management principles to assist sound decision-making on the conservation and wise use of coastal wetlands, and in Resolution VII.21 the Contracting Parties resolved to review and modify existing policies that adversely affect intertidal wetlands and to seek to introduce measures for the long-term conservation of these areas. 10. In pursuance of more effective incorporation of coastal wetlands and their values and functions in the sustainable development of the coastal zone, the Convention has also developed links through Memoranda of Cooperation with regional seas conventions (notably the Barcelona and Cartagena Conventions) and with the work of the Regional Seas Programme of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supporting ecologically sustainable development of the coastal zone, particularly through the collaboration of the Convention s Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative (MedWet) with the Mediterranean Action Plan, and the establishment of a Memorandum of Cooperation and joint work plan with the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). 11. Nevertheless, it is evident that many people and organizations responsible for planning and decision-making for the coastal zone, both at national policy and local implementation scales, are not always fully aware of the relevance and importance of coastal wetlands and their government s commitments under the Ramsar Convention, and that wetlands as defined by the Convention cover a large proportion of the land and sea areas in the coastal zone. 12. Achieving sustainable management in the coastal zone poses particularly great challenges, since the pressures of increasing human population, multiple development pressures, pollution from land-based sources, and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources are particularly high on many parts of the world s coasts. It has been estimated that at least 60% of the world s human population live in the coastal strip from the shoreline to 60 km inland. Furthermore many coastal zones are attracting economic development faster than many inland areas, and this is placing immense pressure on coastal wetlands from landclaim for housing, industry, port-related development, tourism, increasing pollution loads, and depletion of natural resources.

7 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page Conflicts in coastal areas often result from competition over the allocation of coastal resources, including space. Typical conflicts occur over the access to the coastline; incompatibility of sectoral uses which cannot coexist in juxtaposition; private ownership which prevents public use of or access to coastal resources; long-term sustainable use goals inhibiting short-term economic gains; and the provision of coastal protection infrastructure. 14. In addition, the sustainable use of coastal resources can be seriously affected by both human-made and natural perturbation of coastal processes, including cumulative impacts generated by both large and small development projects; gradual alterations such as climate change and sea-level rise; sudden natural episodic events such as storms and flooding; and sudden man-made disasters, such as major oil spills. Often human-made and natural factors combine to strengthen the impact on the natural functions and processes in coastal areas. 15. In the last decades of the 20 th century, there has been increasing global recognition, notably through Chapter 17 of Agenda 21 adopted by the Rio 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), of the need to develop more effective integrated management of coastal zones. This recognizes that there is a wide range of stakeholders in the coastal zone and that there is particular complexity of governmental institutions and agencies with legislative responsibilities for different sectors of marine, coastal intertidal and terrestrial planning and decision-making. 16. Issues concerning stakeholders in the coastal zone can be grouped into three categories, for which different responses are necessary: i) those issues which are the responsibility of a particular stakeholder, for example a port authority, often carrying out a statutory legal duty; ii) iii) those issues which are the responsibility of a particular stakeholder, or several stakeholders, who would benefit from the exchange of information to increase understanding and awareness; and those issues, for example the impacts of climate change, which can affect all stakeholders but are the responsibility of none, and for which it is advantageous to develop responses through an ICZM approach. 17. An increasing range of initiatives have been developed which are designed to establish and implement ICZM through planning and decision-making that involves full participation of all stakeholders, including local communities and indigenous peoples. In support of these ICZM initiatives, a substantial body of policy guidance and implementation guidelines has also been prepared. 18. However, a review of available guidance by the STRP in 2000 found that it seldom fully recognizes or incorporates guidance on the vital role played by wetlands, and their values and functions, in the coastal and nearshore marine zone. Furthermore, most guidance affords little or no recognition of the relevance of the Ramsar Convention and countries commitments to the conservation and wise use of coastal zone wetlands.

8 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page Available guidance seldom provides a specific definition of coastal wetlands, and they are generally, at most, mentioned only as a generic type of coastal environmentally sensitive areas. However, in several ICZM guidelines, notably those prepared by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), there is a more specific reference to coastal wetlands, but mainly in the context of integration of agriculture and fisheries into ICZM. These guidelines refer chiefly to those coastal and marine wetland types of significance to aquaculture and fisheries: mangroves, sea grass systems, coral reefs, sandy beach systems, and lagoons and estuaries. 20. A similar finding has been reported to the 6 th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP6, April 2002) concerning recognition of the importance of marine and coastal biological diversity in existing ICZM guidance. 21. In support of the principles and guidelines that follow, further background information on current approaches to development and implementation of ICZM and its commonly used definitions and terms is provided in Appendix 1. Principles and guidelines for incorporating wetland issues into ICZM 22. The following eight guiding principles are divided into four sections: A. Recognizing the role and significance of the Ramsar Convention and wetlands in the coastal zone; B. Ensuring full awareness of the values and functions of wetlands in the coastal zone; C. Using mechanisms for securing the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands in the coastal zone; and D. Addressing the integration of the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands in broad-scale integrated ecosystem management 23. These principles set out the key issues that provide the basis for ensuring that ICZM fully incorporates the conservation and wise use of coastal wetlands through the Ramsar Convention. For each principle, guidelines are provided for their application by Ramsar Contracting Parties through specific actions that should be undertaken to operationalise the principles. 24. A more detailed rationale and background for each of the principles is provided in Appendix 2. A. Recognizing the role and significance of the Ramsar Convention and wetlands in the coastal zone Principle 1. The Ramsar Convention is the global intergovernmental treaty that specifically addresses the conservation and wise use 1 of coastal zone ecosystems. 25. The Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) is the only global intergovernmental treaty that focuses on a specific ecosystem wetlands. Under the Convention s definition 1 Wise use was defined in 1987 by Ramsar COP3 as sustainable utilization for the benefit of humankind in a way compatible with the maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem.

9 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page 9 of wetland all parts of the intertidal and near-shore marine coastal zone are included along with inland wetlands many types of which occur in the terrestrial part of the coastal zone. This coastal and marine coverage by the Convention is not always fully understood or recognized. Guideline No. 1 Ensuring the delivery of Contracting Parties commitments under the Ramsar Convention through ICZM 1.1 Ensure that awareness is raised of governmental commitments as Parties to the Ramsar Convention in those parts of government and government agencies and other institutions with responsibilities for management and decision-making in the coastal zone. 1.2 Ensure that national policy frameworks for ICZM incorporate and are consistent with national wetland policies and strategies, including where these are included in national biodiversity conservation policies, strategies and plans, utilising the Ramsar Guidelines for developing and implementing National Wetland Policies (Resolution VII.6) for this purpose. 1.3 Invite those parts of government responsible for ICZM to participate in national wetland or Ramsar committees, where these have been established. 1.4 Consider the preparation of brochures and publications that highlight the Ramsar Convention in the coastal zone, and disseminate these widely. 1.5 Seek recognition with those parts of government responsible for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) of the joint work and implementation responsibilities of the Ramsar Convention with regard to biodiversity conservation. 1.6 Ensure that the Convention s Guidelines for international cooperation under the Ramsar Convention (Ramsar Handbook No. 9) are made available as tools and assistance to those seeking to implement ICZM in a transboundary context. Principle 2. The full incorporation of wetland conservation and wise use issues into ICZM is essential for a successful sustainable coastal management process. 26. Coastal areas are of ever-growing importance for the human population worldwide. Human activities are directly or indirectly responsible for many stresses affecting sustainability in the coastal zone, such as loss of habitat and ecological and hydrological functions, increased pollution of, and increased amounts of nutrients in, near shore environments, accelerated sea-level rise, and interception and interruption of flow of water and sediments. Many of these problems seriously affect coastal wetlands and their capacity to continue to provide vital values and functions for people and biodiversity in the coastal zone, since (as established in Principle 1) wetlands under the Ramsar Convention definition cover a very substantial part of the world s coasts. Guideline No. 2 Ensuring full incorporation by Contracting Parties of wetland conservation and wise use issues into ICZM, as essential for a successful sustainable coastal management process

10 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page Identify key barriers to incorporating wetland issues effectively into ICZM and to promoting the importance of wetland values for coastal zones; and work to overcome them in association with coastal managers and others responsible for ICZM. 2.2 Develop consultative processes which will involve wetlands managers and help them to understand better the functioning of ICZM processes. 2.3 Assess the economic benefits of wetland protection, conservation and wise use, and stimulate their consideration as an equal sector in ICZM. 2.4 Promote the establishment of appropriate mechanisms to bring together all major groups involved in ICZM, and encourage actions towards better understanding that coastal wetlands have to be effectively incorporated into ICZM. 2.5 Increase educational efforts and raise public awareness on the benefits of wetland management as an active ingredient of ICZM. 2.6 Promote the use of various tools and techniques, such as strategic environmental assessment (SEA), environmental impact assessment (EIA), economic and other management instruments, in order to improve the understanding of coastal wetlands as an economically and ecologically critical element of coastal areas. 2.7 Encourage the creation of a coastal management authority that will bring together all the sectors and institutions involved in ICZM, including coastal wetland managers. 2.8 Stimulate preparation of integrated coastal area management plans, projects and programmes of actions that fully include coastal wetland issues and concerns. 2.9 Promote the use of conflict resolution techniques in order to manage disputes that may arise among coastal resource users, including for coastal wetlands, and seek their integration into the ICZM processes Establish mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the progress of the implementation of ICZM processes, particularly in relation to the conservation and wise use of coastal wetlands Ensure that those responsible for ICZM policy and implementation are fully aware of the national government commitments under the Ramsar Convention, including through their participation in national Ramsar or wetland committees. B. Ensuring full awareness of the values and functions of wetlands in the coastal zone Principle 3. Coastal wetlands have important values and functions and provide multiple goods and services of high economic value. The overall role of coastal wetlands in providing goods and services, values and functions

11 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page Coastal wetlands have major and varied biological, socio-economic and cultural values through their provision of a wide range of goods and services to people and their livelihoods, as well as through their contribution to the maintenance of biological diversity. In addition to the services they provide in relation to storm and flood control and related issues of water management, goods provided by coastal wetlands which can be vital for the health, safety and welfare of local populations include fruit, fish and shellfish, waterbird, deer, crocodile and other meats, resins, timber for building, fuel wood, reeds for thatching and weaving, fodder for animals, medicinal plants, fertile land for agriculture, agricultural products, water supply, and water transport. Guideline No. 3 Ensuring full recognition of the multiple goods and services of high economic value provided by coastal wetlands 3.1 Identify the most appropriate tools, such as economic valuation methods, multi-criteria analysis, and environmental and strategic environmental assessment (EIA and SEA), that will permit the full assessment of all social, cultural and environmental values of coastal wetlands, and ensure that these are recognized and applied by coastal managers in implementing ICZM. 3.2 Create improved awareness among all major stakeholders of the full range (direct and indirect) of economic values of goods and services provided by coastal wetlands. 3.3 Ensure that Ramsar s Guiding Principles for taking into account the cultural aspects of wetlands for the effective management of sites (Resolution VIII.19) are taken into account in assessing the cultural significance of coastal wetlands through ICZM processes. The role of coastal wetlands in coastal processes 28. Naturally-functioning coastal wetlands are maintained by coastal processes and in turn contribute to coastal process management. The pivotal role of wetlands in coastal processes should be recognized and strengthened. Since wetlands have highly interlinked physical, biological, and chemical processes, an alteration of one element can affect the whole coastal process. Sound and sustainable management of coastal wetlands to maintain or enhance their functions in coastal processes is a key part of ICZM. Guideline No. 4 Ensuring the recognition by Contracting Parties of the key role of wetlands in coastal processes 4.1 Undertake studies to identify the role wetlands play in coastal processes. Based on these findings, Contracting Parties should undertake measures to prevent all activities that have harmful effects on wetlands, including the safeguard and management of the most important wetland areas. 4.2 Consider the rehabilitation or restoration of degraded coastal wetlands in order to reactivate their positive role in coastal processes. 4.3 Undertake measures in upstream river areas that will prevent harmful practices or developments affecting coastal wetlands, such as construction of dams, pollution discharges and excessive water abstraction (see also Principle 7).

12 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page 12 The role of coastal wetlands in mitigating impacts of natural hazards, pollution, and flooding 29. Maintenance of natural coastal shorelines can help to absorb the energy of storm-driven waves before they force inland and cause destruction of property and human life. Shoreline stabilization and storm protection functions of coastal wetlands operate by reducing wind, wave and current energy through the physical presence of shallow intertidal and subtidal systems such as coral reefs, mangroves, tidal flats, and saltmarshes. 30. Without full maintenance of the hydrological and related functions of coastal wetlands, the success of sustainable coastal development is uncertain. Effective integration and maintenance of the hydrological functions of coastal wetlands into ICZM can contribute to improving the coastal waters quality, reducing the risk to human health and loss of human life and property, increasing the economic value of the coastal land, and maintaining coastal biodiversity. Guideline No. 5 Ensuring the recognition by Contracting Parties of the role of coastal wetlands in regulating water flows and water quality 5.1 Undertake studies to identify the functions of and benefits provided by coastal wetlands in relation to flood and natural hazard management and ensuring water quality in coastal areas. Based on these findings, Contracting Parties should ensure that the functions and values of wetlands are recognized and incorporated into planning decisions in the coastal zone. 5.2 When protection of coastal wetlands from degradation or destruction has not been possible, first review opportunities for the rehabilitation or restoration of degraded coastal wetlands, and secondly consider the creation of additional constructed wetlands within coastal areas, to provide services related to flood and natural hazards control and ensuring water quality in coastal areas. 5.3 Undertake assessments to establish the economic and social costs likely to result if the natural functions of wetlands in relation to flood and natural hazards control and water quality are not maintained or are seriously affected or destroyed. 5.4 Ensure adequate consideration of the hydrological value of coastal wetlands by improving the awareness of coastal managers of these values and by raising the public awareness of this issue. 5.5 Encourage the development of appropriate methods of integration of flood and natural hazards management and water quality control through maintaining natural coastal wetland processes in all phases of the ICZM. The role of coastal wetlands in mitigation of, and adaptation to, impacts of climate change and sea-level rise 31. A number of coastal wetland types, notably coral reefs, atolls, and mangroves, are considered to be especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change and sea-level rise owing to their limited adaptive capacity, and are likely to undergo significant and

13 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page 13 irreversible damage (for further information on wetlands and climate change see Resolution VIII.3 and the information papers COP8 DOC. 11 and COP8 DOC. 40). Such effects may lead to serious diminution in the capability of coastal wetlands to provide their goods and services, values and functions. At worst, major parts of some low-lying countries and islands may become wholly or largely inundated by rising sea levels. Elsewhere, where natural landwards movement of coastal wetlands in response to rising sea levels is impeded by development, coast protection and flood defense, this coastal squeeze will severely restrict the size and width of coastal wetlands and their adaptive capacity. 32. There are a number of potential adaptation options that can contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of coastal wetlands to mitigate the impacts of climate change and sealevel rise. These include: managed landwards reinstatement of coastal wetland habitats through removal of sea defence structures, designing multiple-use reserves and protected areas which incorporate corridors that would allow for migration of organisms as a response to climate change; expanding aquaculture that could relieve stress on natural fisheries; specific management in some ecosystems; and integrated resource management. Guideline No. 6 Ensuring the recognition by Contracting Parties of the role of coastal wetlands in mitigating impacts of climate change and sea-level rise 6.1 Ensure that climate change predictions and possible responses involving coastal wetlands are fully recognized in ICZM initiatives and their implementation. 6.2 Stimulate assessment of the implications and vulnerability of coastal wetlands in relation to climate change and sea-level rise, including from local and traditional knowledge; assess options for maximising their benefits in mitigating climate change and sea-level rise impacts; and ensure that this information is made available to ICZM processes. 6.3 Assess the feasibility of adaptation options for coastal wetlands in relation to climate change and sea-level rise scenarios. 6.4 Ensure that institutional mechanisms through ICZM are in place for the implementation of adaptation options, including restoration of coastal wetlands, and establish monitoring systems for adaptation programmes. The role of coastal wetlands as important reservoirs of high species biological diversity, including migratory and non-migratory species and threatened species 33. Nutrient capture and retention makes many coastal wetlands amongst the most productive ecosystems recorded. Coastal wetlands are major reservoirs of biodiversity, and their high productivity often supports not only a high species diversity but also large abundance of many wetland-dependent species, which contribute to the high values and functions of coastal wetlands. 34. The Ramsar Convention includes commitments to species conservation and wise use measures as well as those at the habitat and ecosystem levels. The Convention pays particular attention to migratory species, notably migratory waterbirds and fish and globally and nationally threatened species, and many Ramsar sites have been selected for designation for their importance for these species (see also Principle 6).

14 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page 14 Guideline No. 7 Ensuring the recognition by Contracting Parties of the role of coastal wetlands for wetland-dependent migratory and non-migratory species and threatened species 7.1 Ensure that the species components of biological diversity, and the international commitments to their conservation and wise use through the Ramsar Convention and other agreements, are fully recognized and taken into account in decision-making through ICZM processes. 7.2 Ensure that ICZM and coastal managers recognize the particular importance of coastal zone wetlands for supporting many globally and nationally threatened species, and that ICZM processes will assist in the continued survival of such species. 7.3 Ensure that the particular requirements for the survival of migratory species, including fish, turtles, marine mammals, and migratory waterbirds, and the international commitments to the maintenance of flyway-scale site networks, are fully recognized in ICZM policies and implementation and in other legislation concerning the coastal zone. C. Using mechanisms for securing the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands in the coastal zone Principle 4. Mechanisms to resolve jurisdictional overlap in the coastal zone must fully include the legal and institutional frameworks for wetlands. 35. Management problems in the coastal zone can often arise from: i) complex and unclear jurisdictional powers of sectoral managers and decision-makers; ii) unclear definition of respective tasks of coastal resources managers; iii) lack of adequate or contradictory legislation regulating sectoral management in ICZM; iv) lack of an adequate institutional arrangement that guides the ICZM process; v) the sectoral position taken by each management sector vis-à-vis other sectors; vi) too narrowly focused management objectives; and vii) lack of knowledge or capacity in those authorities, often local government, responsible for ICZM implementation. 36. It is important that those responsible for wetlands and the Ramsar Convention become fully aware of which institutional and legislative frameworks concerning the coastal zone apply in their country, and that these arrangement are reviewed, and as necessary amended, so as to ensure that they fully incorporate and are consistent with the wetland commitments under the Ramsar Convention. This has already been called for in Action of Ramsar s Strategic Plan , and specifically for intertidal wetlands in Resolution VII.21. Guideline No. 8 Resolution of issues related to the legal and institutional frameworks and jurisdictional overlap in the coastal zone

15 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page Define clearly the roles of coastal resource and wetland managers in ICZM, and identify appropriate mechanisms for their effective collaboration. 8.2 Review existing legislation on integrated coastal management in relation to that for wetlands, and as necessary, develop new legislation to facilitate the integration of wetlands in the implementation of ICZM processes. 8.3 Review existing institutional arrangements for integrated coastal management and as necessary propose new institutional frameworks designed to avoid jurisdictional conflicts and overlaps in the coastal zone and include the integration of wetland-related issues in the implementation of ICZM. 8.4 Provide training and awareness-raising for coastal resources and wetland managers at all levels in order to increase understanding of the importance of coastal wetlands in the implementation of ICZM. 8.5 Seek to secure adequate financial resources to ensure effective operation of organizations and institutions charged with undertaking integrated coastal zone management. Principle 5. Many stakeholders use coastal wetlands and must participate fully in their management. 37. Stakeholders involvement is a vital and important element in ICZM. The process requires a high level of participation, because people who live in the coastal area (including local communities and indigenous peoples) will be greatly affected by the decisions taken within the ICZM process. Therefore, their support greatly increases the chances for the long-term sustainability of the ICZM process. A stakeholder analysis should be a vital early step in the ICZM process, as the basis for identifying and engaging all stakeholders who should be involved. 38. Participation of local communities and indigenous peoples in ICZM is particularly important where they have customary rights or tenure in the coastal zone. The Ramsar Convention has adopted guidance on the involvement of these communities in the participatory management of wetlands (Resolution VII.8). Guidance on wetland education and public awareness has also been adopted by the Convention as its Communication, Eduation, and Public Awareness Programme (Resolution VIII.31). Guideline No. 9 Ensuring stakeholder participation in the conservation and wise use of coastal wetlands 9.1 Establish mechanisms to identify and involve stakeholders in the planning and management of coastal areas and coastal wetlands, including the adoption of relevant legislation that will facilitate the stakeholders participation process, by applying inter alia Ramsar s Guidelines for establishing and strengthening local communities and indigenous people s participation in the management of wetlands (Ramsar Handbook 5). 9.2 Pay particular attention to the full involvement in ICZM from its earliest stages of local communities and indigenous peoples that have customary rights or tenure in coastal wetlands.

16 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page Facilitate the active participation of stakeholders, responding to their particular needs and sharing authority and responsibility for coastal wetlands management, in coordination with other coastal resource management systems. 9.4 Support capacity building of all civil society groups (local communities, women and youth, NGOs, professional associations, local authorities, private sector) in order to develop skills for management of resources within coastal areas. 9.5 Develop and implement integrated participatory coastal management plans in which the needs and objectives of coastal wetlands management are fully incorporated. 9.6 Identify, design and implement community-based demonstration projects and provide additional economic incentives to local communities for coastal wetlands protection, conservation and sustainable use. 9.7 Design and implement educational programmes that would increase the understanding of the need to protect and conserve coastal wetlands, and their values and functions, and the need for ICZM, including through implementation of the Convention s Communication, Education, and Public Awareness Programme. Principle 6. The designation and management of Wetlands of International Importance in the coastal zone provides a global mechanism for the identification and recognition of critically important parts of coastal zone ecosystems, as the basis for their sustainable management. 39. The designation by Ramsar Contracting Parties of appropriate sites for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance provides a strong mechanism for identifying and recognizing critically important areas of the coastal zone for wetland biodiversity conservation and wise use, as well as the basis for planning and implementing their sustainable management. 40. Of the 1179 Ramsar sites designated worldwide (as of July 2002) covering million hectares, 541 (46%) sites covering 36 million hectares (35% of the total area) are wholly, or include, coastal and marine wetland types, and numerous others are in the terrestrial parts of coastal zones. Many coastal zone Ramsar sites are large, and in some places they cover the whole coastal zone over substantial areas, for example in large coastal plain estuaries and areas of intertidal flats and coral reef systems. Furthermore, many other areas of the coastal zone not yet designated might qualify for designation according to the Ramsar Criteria for Identifying Wetlands of International Importance (Resolution VII.11). Guideline No. 10 Ensuring the recognition of the role of Ramsar sites and their management in the ICZM process 10.1 In line with Vision and Objectives of the Strategic Framework and guidelines for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Resolution VII.11), identify and establish a coherent national network of Ramsar sites which fully represent the diversity of coastal and marine wetlands and their key ecological and hydrological functions.

17 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page Ensure that national ICZM policy guidance recognizes the role and importance of Ramsar sites, including their ecological and hydrological functions for sustaining human life, in the sustainable management of the coastal zone Raise awareness with those levels of government responsible for developing and implementing ICZM initiatives of the purpose and management approach embodied in Ramsar site designation, and ensure that such sites are not regarded solely as sectoral nature conservation sites Seek opportunities for developing the management of Ramsar sites as demonstration sites for the ecosystem approach to their sustainable use Ensure that the Convention s New Guidelines for management planning for Ramsar sites and other wetlands (Resolution VIII.14) is available to those responsible for developing and implementing ICZM, and that the management planning processes for Ramsar sites are fully integrated with the ICZM process where it exists for areas including Ramsar sites Ensure that those responsible for ICZM recognize and utilise as appropriate the Convention s guidance on wetland management planning for wetlands in the coastal zone that are not designated as Ramsar sites. Principle 7. Coastal wetlands are highly vulnerable to degradation and loss, but although easily degraded their restoration is costly and sometimes impossible. 41. Too often, decision-making in the coastal zone has treated many types of coastal wetlands as unproductive wastelands. It has been thought that the most appropriate management policy would be to control them or to permit encroachment upon them from a wide variety of uses inconsistent with the maintenance of natural coastal processes. 42. Many coastal wetland habitats continue to be destroyed at an alarming rate, as a consequence of a wide variety of development activities. Much coastal wetland loss is effectively irreversible, particularly where major urban and industrial development is in place. Nevertheless, restoration and rehabilitation of coastal wetlands should form a component of ICZM implementation as a mechanism for redressing, where appropriate, at least some of the past of habitat loss and for reinstating the important natural coastal protection functions of wetlands. However, such restoration can be much more expensive than exercising the option to maintain naturally functioning coastal wetlands, and the success of coastal wetland restoration is generally unpredictable. Guideline No. 11 Ensuring that Contracting Parties consider issues related to the degradation, loss and restoration of coastal wetlands 11.1 Choose, and adapt to the local conditions, the most appropriate methodology for assessing the damage to coastal wetlands that are caused by natural events and human actions Assess the status of coastal wetlands with regard to their degradation and loss, and undertake the cost/benefit analysis of the environmental, social and economic effects of the implementation of mitigation measures, including restoration, as part of an inventory

18 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page 18 of coastal wetlands suitable for restoration, applying guidance on this matter contained in Resolution VIII Raise public awareness about the benefits of maintaining and restoring the existing coastal wetlands as opposed to their destruction If a coastal wetland is to be restored, seek the best possible advice and experience of other similar restorations so as to minimise risks of failure Integrate the cost and benefits of the wetland restoration projects in ICZM programmes and projects Ensure that full cost/benefit assessment, including the costs of restoring or recreating coastal wetland habitat that would be lost, form an essential part of environmental impact assessments for coastal wetland development projects Ensure that the difficulties, costs, and uncertainties of coastal wetland restoration are fully understood by ICZM decision-makers Where a coastal zone development proposal could cause loss of part or all of a designated Ramsar site, ensure that all those involved in impact assessment and decision-making are fully aware of the obligations and procedures as established in Articles 2.5 and 4.2 of the Ramsar Convention and the guidance on these matters contained in Resolution VIII.20. D. Addressing the integration of the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands in broad-scale integrated ecosystem management Principle 8. ICZM should be linked with river basin/catchment management and oceans and fisheries management so as to secure the conservation and sustainable use of coastal wetlands. 43. Influences and linkages of the coastal zone extend far beyond its boundaries: hinterland linkages are extended over the area of entire river basins/catchments, while the seaward influences extend beyond the outer limits of the coastal zone, affecting a number of oceanrelated economic activities. A particular challenge for ICZM is to incorporate offshore activities into the process. 44. Conversely, activities and water resource management decisions upstream in river basins can have a profound influence on coastal wetlands, for example through changes in sediment and water flow regimes (e.g. increases in discharges due to deforestation and rapid run-off; decreases through trapping of water and sediments in dams), water quantity and quality. Guideline No. 12 Ensuring the recognition by Contracting Parties of the linkages between wetlands, ICZM, river basin/catchment management, and oceans and fisheries management

19 Ramsar Resolution VIII.4, page Identify and describe key linkages between wetlands in coastal and river basin/catchment areas and ocean-related activities, and ensure that the roles of inland and coastal wetlands are fully recognized Identify the key barriers to the integration of issues related to coastal areas and those related to river basin/catchment areas, and work with those responsible for river basin management and ICZM to overcome them Promote the Integrated Coastal Area and River Basin Management (ICARM) approach and identify key stakeholders in the management process Stimulate the preparation of integrated coastal area and river basin/catchment management plans, and help to secure adequate resources for their preparation and implementation. Where management plans already exist for river basins/catchments and coastal zones, these should be reviewed and may form the basis for their integration Work towards raising the public awareness, including through the Convention s Communication, Education, and Public Awareness Programme, of the necessity to identify and integrate issues common to wetlands, coastal areas, and river basins, and of the need to improve the stakeholders participation in ICARM Review the role and importance of coastal wetlands in supporting fish populations and fisheries, and promote the implementation of FAO s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, particularly where it relates to coastal wetland issues.